While working as a seamstress , she was asked to fill in at the Pittsburgh Ballet when the costume shop was short-staffed . Her $ 2 per hour , entry-level position led to the title of costume director in just six years , and a distinguished , lifelong career .
“ I was always very shy . But once I started working at the ballet , I was no longer shy ,” explains Campbell . Being in the right profession , and having her work appreciated , gave her newfound confidence . It also gave her another life-changing gift .
“ I met my husband at the ballet ,” says Campbell . “ We had worked together and known each other for two years , but all of a sudden , we just fell in love one day .” David Campbell was the technical director at the time . After the two were married , he was promoted to production manager . Campbell remarked to Harry Bernstein , then general manager , “ How dare you make my husband my boss !” To which he replied , “ Janet , no one will ever be your boss .”
Truly , Campbell is in a league of her own as she has created magical costumes , featuring fluffy tutus with acres of tulle that seem to float about the dancer ’ s body . Beading , sequins and crystals that twinkle beneath the stage lights take many hours to add , and Campbell has often hand-dyed the fabrics for a subtle , gradated color effect . The costume shop also creates tiaras , headdresses , wigs and other accessories for the performers . The combination of the beautiful choreography and ethereal costumes have enchanted audiences for decades .
A typical production may require three to five stitchers , but a performance such as the upcoming “ Nutcracker ” may require as many as 12 stitchers .
Since Campbell ’ s semi-retirement , she has been able to slow down and enjoy the flow of the creative process more . She recently created costumes for “ Sounds of the Sun ,” the season opener for PBT . “ I ’ m absolutely loving it !” says Campbell , as she embraces the slower pace .
She continues to support the ballet in various creative paths . She ’ s written a book entitled , “ Let ’ s Dance — The Art of the Costume .” It ’ s available at the Moon Township Library , and is also available for purchase at the Pittsburgh Ballet website , pbt . org . It has beautiful photos and illustrations and would make a lovely gift . All proceeds from the sale of the book benefit the Pittsburgh Ballet Costume Shop .
Principal dancer Tommie O ’ Hanlon in a costume created by Janet Groom Campbell for “ Theme and Variations ,” performed last spring .
She and husband David recently co-chaired the annual PBT gala , the Bippity Boppity Ball , at the Westin , which included an appeal for the Community Youth Scholarship to enable local ballet students to study with the PBT School .
As a board director of PBT , she is excited about the future of the ballet with the appointment of its new director , Adam W . McKinney . McKinney is bringing a mix of timeless classics and new works to the PBT . Campbell notes that he is engaging area choreographers , many of whom are fresh , new artists .
For over 40 years , Campbell has been an integral part of creating ballet performances that have captivated her since childhood . “ I love the ballet ! I ’ m surrounded by beautiful music and dance , and I love what I do !”
Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre will be presenting “ The Nutcracker ,” with performances Dec . 8-28 , including one very special excerpted performance at Phipps Conservatory . This ballet is a family Christmas tradition for many area residents , so performances will sell out quickly ! To learn more about PBT and to book tickets , visit pbt . org . n
To see how Janet Groom Campbell creates her magical costumes , visit https :// www . youtube . com / watch ? v = kAdpjkx8o5k
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